Consistent Leadership is Key

 
Photo credit: Larisa-K 

"We are more likely to learn something from people who disagree with us than we are from people who agree." (Fullen, p. 53).  When thinking about the leaders I admire most I realize they lead with this idea in mind.  So often the most respected leaders I've encountered surround themselves with people who differ in ideas and strategies from them, in an attempt to create meaningful dialogue.  These leaders also do not force others to follow their lead simply because they have the best ideas.  They understand that disagreement or varying perspectives is essential for an office, department, team or institution to ultimately thrive.

For example, I can remember my boss completely halting a project because someone suggested an alternative plan that would require the entire team to pivot.  The entire team had spent months planning a campus wide event and had specifically spent countless meetings trying to find the easiest way for participants to register and check in for the event.  Originally it was decided that we would use the "old fashioned pen and paper method" that has worked before because it was easy.  However, following a technology conference one team member had the idea of using our computer system to allow for self check in and technology based check in options.  After examining all possible outcomes my boss determined that this alternative idea was in fact a better option for us and had the ability to shift and pivot away from their own idea for a better solution for our department.

Additionally, my boss, who I believe is one of the most consistent and trustworthy leaders I've had the pleasure of working with understands that simply creating new ideas means nothing if there is no action.  "The organization or leader who takes on the sheer most number of innovations is not the winner." (Fullen, p. 47).  Innovation for innovation's sake does nothing but create burnout amongst team members; something our leader is acutely aware of.  That is why there are very few times their leadership style changes - at least there have been very few times.  There have certainly been moments where they've adopted a more authoritarian view in a specific scenario, but they often remain grounded in this open, honest and understanding leadership mindset.  Likely because they've seen incredible results from remaining consistent.

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